Guide to the Marcus A. Foster Collection
John Hickman
African American Museum & Library at Oakland
659 14th Street
Oakland, California 94612
Phone: (510) 637-0198
Fax: (510) 637-0204
Email: aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org
URL: http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/locations/african-american-museum-library-oakland
© 2013
African American Museum & Library at Oakland. All rights reserved.
Guide to the Marcus A. Foster Collection
Collection number: MS 149
African American Museum & Library at Oakland
Oakland, California
- Processed by:John Hickman
- John Hickman
- Date Completed:John Hickman
- 2014-04-29
- Encoded by:John Hickman
- 2014-04-29
© 2013 African American Museum & Library at Oakland. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Marcus A. Foster Collection
Dates: 1941-1975 (bulk 1968-1974)
Collection number: MS 149
Creator:
Marcus A. Foster Education Institute
Collection Size:
5.5 linear feet
(1 box + 2 oversized boxes)
Repository:
African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
Abstract: The Marcus A. Foster was a a progressive, innovative educator who rose to national prominence as the first African-American
superintendent of schools in Oakland, California. The collection spans the years 1941-1975, and includes administrative documents,
professional certifications, printed materials, photographs, newspaper articles and ceremonial attire, with the bulk of the
material pertaining to the years 1968-1974.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Access
No access restrictions to the Marcus Foster Collection. Collection is open to the public.
Access Restrictions
Materials are for use in-library only, non-circulating.
Publication Rights
Permission to publish must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.
Preferred Citation
Marcus A. Foster Collection, MS149, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.
Acquisition Information
Collection donated to the African American Museum & Library at Oakland by the Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute.
Processing Information
Processed by John Hickman, April 29th, 2014. Finding aid updated to add OM box numbers by Sean Heyliger on April 21, 2017.
Biography / Administrative History
Educator Dr. Marcus A. Foster (1923-1973) was born in Athens, Georgia in 1923, the youngest of 5 children. His family moved
to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when he was 3 years old. There he attended Philadelphia public schools, graduating from South
Philadelphia High School in 1941. He earned degrees from Cheyney State College, Lincoln University, St. Joseph's College
and the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his doctorate in 1971.
Dr. Foster began his career as principal of Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia, and later became Associate Superintendent
of Schools in Philadelphia where he was in charge of community relations. Dr. Foster moved to Oakland, California in 1970,
and became Oakland's first African-American superintendent that same year. He had a strong belief in community involvement,
and as superintendent he implemented a Master Plan Citizen’s Committee and decentralized the Oakland Public School system
by dividing the city into 3 regions. In 1973, he founded the Oakland Education Institute, whose purpose was to raise discretionary
funds to promote excellence in Oakland schools. After his death the institute was renamed the Marcus A. Foster Educational
Institute in his honor. Dr. Foster was assassinated November 6, 1973 by members of the Symbionese Liberation Army following
an evening meeting of the Oakland School Board.
Through his life Dr. Foster rose to national prominence as a progressive, innovative educator, who was known as a leader who
challenged entrenched educational principles and displayed great ability in developing effective solutions by getting people
of diverse interests to work together for the benefit of the children he served.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Marcus A. Foster collection spans the years 1941-1975, and includes administrative documents, professional certifications,
printed materials, photographs, newspaper articles and ceremonial attire, with the bulk of the material pertaining to the
years 1968-1974.
The collection is organized into four series: 1) School Administration documents including a 1974 report of the Buildings
and Grounds Committee, an earthquake safety construction program report, cost estimate for classroom construction and a 1974
status report on the quake-safe schools program. 2) A group of black and white photographs showing the site of the fatal attack
on Dr. Foster, the OPS administration building, an OPS security vehicle, an unknown apartment building and a professional
portrait of Dr. Foster. 3) Printed Materials including the soft-cover book “Dr. Marcus A. Foster, A Man For All People”, a
set of photocopied newspaper articles pertaining to Dr. Foster’s life and a set of miscellaneous publications, including two
doctoral dissertations, pertaining to Dr. Foster’s accomplishments and life. 4) Plaques and Awards presented to Dr. Foster
including an Award of Merit from Simon Gratz High School, various professional certificates, posthumous awards and resolutions
from the State of California legislature honoring his many achievements. 5) Ceremonial attire worn by Dr. Foster including
graduation gowns and cowls.
Arrangement
Series I. Biographic Materials
Series II. Photographs
Series III. Printed material
Series IV. Awards
Series V. Clothing
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Marcus Foster.
Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute (Oakland, Calif).
Public schools--California--Oakland.
African American educators.
Oakland (Calif.)--History.
Philadelphia (Pa.)--History--20th century.
Biographical material
Physical Description: 2 folders
Series Scope and Content Summary
The series contains documents covering Dr. Foster's resume, brief biography, education credentials and awards.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Resumes and Biographies
Subseries Scope and Content Summary
Contains a resume and brief biography for Marcus A. Foster.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Box 1:1
Curriculum Vitae for Dr. Marcus A. Foster
undated
Box 1:1
Brief biography for Marcus A. Foster, author unknown
undated
Box 1:1
Pennsylvania Department of Education Professional Certificate
undated
Box 1:1
California Board of Education General Administration Credential
1970
Box 1:1
California Board of Education General Elementary Credential
1970
Box 1:1
California Board of Education General Secondary Credential
1970
Box 1:1
State of California General School Services Credential
1973
Box 1:1
State of California General Teaching Credential, Elementary
1973
Box 1:1
State of California General Teaching Credential, Secondary
1973
Box 1:1
Resolution presenting the Senate of Pennsylvania Philadelphia award
1969
Educational activities
Series Scope and Content Summary
The series contains documents of Dr. Foster's activities relating to committees of the Oakland Public Schools District, and
classroom construction.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Committees
Subseries Scope and Content Summary
The series covers activities with committees of the Oakland Unified School District relating to earthquake safety, and buildings
and grounds.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Box 1:1
Oakland Public Schools report of the Buildings and Grounds Committee
1974
Box 1:1
Oakland Unified School District, Marcus A. Foster Earthquake Safety Construction Program, Report to the Board of Education
by Robert Blackburn, Acting Superintendent, Status report on quake-safe schools program
1974
Construction
Subseries Scope and Content Summary
Contains site surveys of OPS school buildings and a cost estimate for a typical classroom.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Box 1:1
Cost estimate; “Comparative Costs of Typical 24’ x 36’ Classroom”
1974
Box 1:1
Site surveys for various existing school buildings [16 total],
1974
Photographs
Series Scope and Content Summary
The series contains black and white photographs of the Oakland Public Schools Administration building, photo negatives related
to the black and white photographs, and a portrait of Marcus A. Foster.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Oakland Public Schools Administration Building at 1025 Second Ave., Oakland, California. [site of Marcus Foster assassination]
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building, [001]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [002]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [003]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [004]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [005]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [006]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [007]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [008]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [009]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [010]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [011]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [012]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Site of Marcus Foster Assassination behind OPS Administration Building [013]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [014]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [015]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [016]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [017]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [018]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [019]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [020]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [021]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [022]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [023]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [024]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [025]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [026]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [027]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [028]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Building entry at OPS Administration Building [029]
circa 1970's
Security Division Vehicle at Oakland Public Schools Administration Building, 1025 Second Ave
Box 1:2
OPS Security Division Vehicle [030]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
OPS Security Division Vehicle [031]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
OPS Security Division Vehicle [032]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Apartment building at 1621 (street unknown) [006]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Apartment building at 1621 (street unknown) [007]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Apartment building at 1621 (street unknown) [034]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Apartment building at 1621 (street unknown) [035]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Apartment building at 1621 (street unknown) [036]
circa 1970's
Box 1:2
Photo Negatives: Negatives for school facility, security vehicle and assorted photos series [some negatives do not have corresponding
photos]
circa 1970's
Portrait of Marcus Foster
Printed material
Series Scope and Content Summary
Contains books, newspaper articles and miscellaneous publications relating to Marcus A. Foster, his life and accomplishments.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Books
Subseries Scope and Content Summary
Contains books written about the life of Marcus A. Foster.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Box 1:3
Softcover Book;
Dr. Marcus A. Foster, A Man For All People,[ 3 copies]
1974
Box 1:3
Hallum, Rosemary, and Albertine Foster.
Dr. Marcus A. Foster: A Man for All People
1974
Newspaper articles
Subseries Scope and Content Summary
Contains newspaper articles published about Marcus A. Foster during his tenure as Superintendant of Oakland Public Schools,
his assassination and his legacy.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Box 1:4
"Business will serve as classroom for new school"[photocopy], Oakland Tribune>
1972
Box 1:4
"Dr. Marcus A. Foster fatally wounded", Berkeley Post
1973
Box 1:4
"I.D. cards for students urged" (photocopy), Oakland Tribune
1974
Box 1:4
"25 Years later, Foster remains education hero", Oakland Tribune
1998
Miscellaneous Publications
Subseries Scope and Content Summary
Contains a variety of publications, primarily posthumous, regarding Marcus A. Foster's life and achievements in education.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Box 1:4
Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute 2003-2004 annual report
undated
Box 1:4
Bethel Baptist Church’s 13th annual scholarship awards program
1974
Box 1:4
Simon Gratz High School memo
1969
Box 1:4
Community memorial services program for Dr. Marcus A. Foster with annotated rough draft of speech by Rev. Kenneth Baumhoff
1973
Box 1:5
Foster’s Travels: A Twenty Year Adventure in the Philadelphia Schools, author unknown
undated
Box 1:5
Quotes from Marcus Foster, [2 copies]
undated
Box 1:5
Listing of accomplishments for Dr. Marcus A. Foster Superintendent of Schools; including community activities, publications,
awards, citations, experience, education, professional organizations and activities
undated
Box 1:5
California State Assembly Memorial Resolution
1974
Box 1:5
In Memoriam, handout
undated
Box 1:5
Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute inaugural dinner program handout, [2 copies]
1974
Box 1:5
Oakland Unified School District Superintendent’s Bulletin, [2 copies]
1973
Box 1:5
Poem;
Any Day Now, Terran Davis
1973
Box 1:6
Collection of posthumous news clippings for Dr. Marcus A. Foster Superintendent of Schools, photocopies
undated
Box 1:7
Doctoral Dissertation,
Caught in Crossfire, Marcus Foster and America’s Urban Education Crisis, 1941-1973, by John Palmer Spencer
2002
Box 1:8
Doctoral Dissertation,
Miracle Workers Wanted: Executive Succession and Organizational Change in an Urban School District, An Explanatory Study, by Gary Yee
1996
Awards
Series Scope and Content Summary
A collection of plaques, certifications, degrees and other commemorative memorabilia awarded to Marcus A. Foster. Also includes
a 1941 graduating class photo from South Philadelphia High School.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Box OM 40
Plaque; Liberty Bell Award, Law Day USA (posthumous)
undated
Box OM 40
Plaque; Award of Merit, Principal Simon Gratz High School
1969
Box OM 40
Plaque; St. Philip’s EV Lutheran Church
1969
Box OM 40
State of California General School Services, General Administration Credential
1973
Box OM 40
State of California General Teaching Credential, Elementary
1973
Box OM 40
State of California General Teaching Credential, Secondary
1973
Box OM 40
California Legislature Resolution
1975
Box OM 40
The Senate, California Legislature Resolution
1974
Box 1:1
State of Pennsylvania Resolution
1969
Box 1:1
Pennsylvania Department of Education Professional Certificate
1969
Box 1:1
Speech presenting Lincoln University honorary degree to Marcus Foster
1972
Box OM 40
South Philadelphia High School Class Photo
1941
Clothing
Series Scope and Content Summary
Assorted robes and ceremonial regalia believed to have been worn by Marcus A. Foster.
Arrangement
Items are arranged by subject and by date thereafter.
Box OM 41
Assorted robes and ceremonial regalia believed to have been worn by Marcus A. Foster
circa 1970s
